The Rise of the Witches!

Graphics by Maria Masek

If you’re seeing more crystals, tarot card readings, and the occasional Agatha All Along fan edits, you’re not alone. (maybe that last one is just me) Witchcraft isn’t just for Halloween anymore, it’s become a year-round fad–especially resonating with teens and women. 

332 years ago, mass hysteria swept the little village of Salem, Massachusetts. Witches were perceived as the worst kind of humans on Earth: eating children, destroying crops, and befriending the devil. You know, all the crazy witchy things. Witchcraft was seen as an opposition to the Christian church and from what we know about the New England colonies, they were religious af. 

While it’s true that anyone could be accused of being a witch, it was more common to see those who were “different” be questioned for witchcraft because they were easily patronized. This generalization led to poor treatment of already marginalized groups like beggars, unmarried and old women, and women of color.

But now, a certain demographic may say “thank you!” when you call them a witch. So since the Salem Witch Trials, what happened? 

Oh, those feminist witches!

Witch hunts were rooted deeply in misogynistic motives, disproportionately targeting women and younger girls. So during the feminist movement, women reclaimed the meaning of witches to become a symbol of female resistance and strength. 

These women were the modern-day Gloria Steinem–literally changing the connotation of a word that was displayed in such a negative light for centuries. 

Down the Witches Road:

I don’t know if it’s just me, but after watching Agatha All Along and Wandavision, I kinda want to be a witch. Seeing such powerful women is inspiring, even though those two may have used their powers for not as inspiring motives…BUT that’s not the point. 

Society has gone from executing women who displayed even the slightest bit of wickedness to singing their songs about literally being wicked (Wicked movie in theaters November 22 btw.) Being a witch is in right now–their red lipstick, stylish dark attire, and mysterious nature would make Elizabeth Proctor proud to be falsely accused of witchcraft. 

#WitchTok:

Over seven million videos are using #WitchTok to find prospects for their new covens. The most popular videos–easily surpassing five million views each–give tips to beginner witches and share their witchiest experiences. 

This tight-knit community includes people from diverse backgrounds, skill levels, and experiences. The hashtag offers a space for supportive affinity, completely flipping the original interpretation of witches from the 1600s on its head. 

Witchcraft practices are being integrated into the main culture. Even outside of the witch community, everyone seems to be getting tarot card readings about whether or not your friend is secretly plotting against you on their For You pages.

So who knows…maybe a witch is sitting next to you right now and you don’t even know it. ;)